The three lighting classes
DIN EN 12193 divides sports facilities into three lighting classes. Class I applies to high-level competition with spectators at a long distance, Class II for mid-level competition and performance training, Class III for simple competitions, general training and school and recreational sport. The values are maintained values: they must not be undercut even after years of operation.
| Level | Examples | Class |
|---|---|---|
| International, national | Top national leagues, internationals, major tournaments | I |
| Regional | Upper amateur and regional leagues, association matches | I or II |
| Local | Local leagues, club matches | II or III |
| Training | Club training | II or III |
| School and recreational sport | School sport, hobby groups | III |
Indoor lux levels
Shown is the average horizontal illuminance on the playing area, followed by the uniformity (minimum divided by average).
| Sport (indoor) | Class I | Class II | Class III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, futsal | 750 lx · 0.7 | 500 lx · 0.7 | 200 lx · 0.5 |
| Tennis, Padel | 750 lx · 0.7 | 500 lx · 0.7 | 300 lx · 0.5 |
| Badminton, table tennis, squash | 750 lx · 0.7 | 500 lx · 0.7 | 300 lx · 0.7 |
| Indoor hockey | 750 lx · 0.7 | 500 lx · 0.7 | 300 lx · 0.7 |
A multi-purpose or school sports hall is usually designed for the sport with the highest requirements. How to do that without having too much light all the time is explained in our guide to Sports hall lighting.
Outdoor lux levels
| Sport (outdoor) | Class I | Class II | Class III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football, American football | 500 lx · 0.7 | 200 lx · 0.6 | 75 lx · 0.5 |
| Tennis, padel | 500 lx · 0.7 | 300 lx · 0.7 | 200 lx · 0.6 |
| Field hockey | 500 lx · 0.7 | 200 lx · 0.7 | 200 lx · 0.7 |
| Basketball (outdoor court) | 500 lx · 0.7 | 200 lx · 0.6 | 75 lx · 0.5 |
Outdoors, the surroundings matter as well as the pitch: light should stay on the pitch and not shine into homes or natural areas. More in our guide to sports pitch lighting.
More than lux: what else matters
- Uniformity: Dark zones make it hard to judge the speed and trajectory of the ball. For small, fast balls as in hockey or badminton, the standard therefore requires 0.7 even in class III.
- Glare: Anyone looking up – when serving, shooting at the basket or smashing – must not look into a luminaire. That is why the luminaire layout differs by sport.
- Colour rendering: Since the 2019 edition, the standard requires a colour rendering index of at least Ra 60 in all classes. Modern LED sports luminaires usually reach Ra 80 or more.
- Ball-impact resistance: Indoors, luminaires must withstand ball impacts. Proof is provided to DIN 18032-3.
- Television: Television broadcasts have additional requirements for vertical illuminance and flicker-free light. These are usually set by the federations and broadcasters.
One installation, several classes
Most facilities are used for both training and competition. Instead of running at class I all the time, the installation is designed for the highest class and switched in stages or dimmed – for example 750, 500 and 300 lx in a tennis hall. With LED this is stepless and instant. Linked to the booking system, the lights are only on where people are playing.
ConsultationLet's talk about your project.Lighting calculation and quotation from the manufacturer.Lighting calculation, not guesswork
Only a lighting calculation for the specific pitch or hall shows whether an installation meets the values. We calculate with DIALux to DIN EN 12193 – including luminaire positions, uniformity, glare and the light that falls on the surroundings. The basics are explained in our guide to Lighting design and calculation.
LED savings calculatorWhat can your lighting save?Energy costs, CO₂ and payback in just a few minutes.Frequently asked questions
How many lux does a sports hall need?
For ball sports such as basketball, volleyball and handball, DIN EN 12193 specifies 200 lx for training and school sport (class III), 500 lx for mid-level competition (class II) and 750 lx for high-level competition (class I).
How many lux does a football pitch need?
75 lx for training and simple matches (class III), 200 lx for mid-level matches (class II) and 500 lx for high-level competition (class I).
How many lux does an indoor tennis hall need?
300 lx for training and recreation, 500 lx for club competition and 750 lx for high-level competition. Outdoors the figures are 200, 300 and 500 lx.
Which standard applies to sports lighting?
DIN EN 12193 "Light and lighting – Sports lighting", currently in the 2019-07 edition. For television broadcasts and professional leagues, the federations add their own requirements.
What do lighting classes I, II and III mean?
Class I stands for high-level competition, class II for mid-level competition and performance training, class III for training, school and recreational sport. The higher the class, the more light is needed and the more even it must be.
